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Tooth enamel is one of the toughest structures of the human body, however it still needs protecting. What exacting is tooth enamel? It is the outer layer of your tooth and the hardest substance in your body. Enamel is translucent and can stain from the food, drinks, smoking and chewing tobacco. Enamel cannot be regrown by our bodies. Once it is chipped cracked or eroded or worn away it cannot be replaced naturally.

Signs of enamel problems.

Darkening: As enamel wears away this can cause the tooth to become darker.

Sensitivity: Your teeth may become hypersensitive to hot, cold, sweets or sour foods.

Notching: There may be notching at the gum line

Cracks and chips: Irregular or jagged tooth surfaces, also fracture lines can appear.

Protecting your enamel.

Custom night guard:

The power of our bite is incredible. Out incisor can have 55 pounds of pressure or biting force, while our molars have 200 pounds of pressure. Clenching and grinding your teeth during times of stress or at night while sleeping experts excess force and wear on your teeth. Over time you can literally grind away your enamel layer. Ask your dentist about a custom night guard to protect your enamel for a lifetime.

MI Paste Plus:

This is not a tooth paste to brush your teeth with. This is a paste to coat your teeth with in order to put minerals back into your enamel to help remineralize the enamel. MI Paste plus contains calcium, phosphate and 900ppm of fluoride.

Do you feel like you’re ready for a little change in your smile without spending a lot of money? Well, look no further! I know it sounds a little bit like a gimmick, but it’s true! Whitening your smile, the professional way, can change your smile for just a small cost! I know many of us have tried over the counter products and have come away frustrated or not seeing the difference, but in the next few months, you can use the best products out on the market to help you get results and help someone else in the meantime!

The best two ways you can whiten your smile with the greatest results are with either an at home kit or an in-office procedure. Both are safe and effective.

With the at-home procedure, we take an impression of your teeth and make custom fitting whitening trays. Once the trays are made, you take them home and once a day you can apply whitening gel into the trays and wear them for about an hour. You would brush and floss before whitening to make sure all the food and plaque has been removed, then place the gel in the trays and wear them for about an hour. After the time has passed, remove the trays and brush and floss again, rinsing your mouth and trays thoroughly from any remaining gel. Do this as many days as you would like, for up to 2 weeks, or till you’ve reached your desired whiteness. Then keep the trays for any future touch up use.

The in-office procedure is slightly different, in which case, we do all the work and you just sit back and enjoy the ride. You will spend about 2 hours with us in the office, doing a series of 3 whitening treatments in one sitting. While protecting the tissues, we are able to apply whitening gel and achieve greatest results in such a short time. So, if you don’t have the patience to do the at home treatment, this procedure is right for you!

If you’ve been with our practice for a while, you know that this time every year we participate in a fundraising opportunity that starts in March and runs through the end of June, called Smiles for Hope. During these few short months, our office donates all the proceeds that we earn from any whitening product and procedure to a charity called Hope Arising. We join teams in an effort to raise money to help those in Dara, Ethiopia. Twice a year our doctors, and several others, take supplies and their abilities, to travel to Ethiopia and spend a week giving service to help fulfill dental and medical needs in their town.

So, if you’re looking to get your sweetheart or loved one a treat for their birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or any other occasion, here is a great opportunity to help them AND help someone else. Oh, and did I mention, it’s 100% tax deductible? That’s right! It’s considered a charitable contribution since 100% of the proceeds go to charity! Don’t hesitate to ask any of our friendly team questions about how you can participate in Smiles for Hope this year!

Many of you know two questions that your Dental Hygienist will inevitably asked you when you go in for your regular check-up visit: “Are you brushing two times a day?” and “How is your flossing going?”

As an Hygienist, we do not asked these questions to get after you. We promise we do not love nagging you to floss. We do it because we genuinely care for your health and helping our patients understand how brushing and flossing can keep you healthy is one of our professional goals.

Most of you know the guidelines. For optimum dental health, you should brushing two times a day for two minutes, and floss one time a day. We know that is what we are supposed to do. But do we know why?

Plaque (that soft, filmy, white stuff that grows on our teeth) accumulates constantly. 24/7. It never stops growing. Even if you do not eat food, it grows (common misconception that plaque only grows when you eat). Inside plaque lives bacteria. This is the bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease. It is recommended that we brush two times a day to remove the plaque and disrupt the bacteria’s harm on our mouth. If we do not remove the plaque, then we are allowing the bacteria to start creating cavities and cause inflammation and infection in our gums.

If the plaque is left in an area for a while then it will harden and calcify. This is what we can tartar build-up, or you may even hear us refer to it as calculus. While plaque is soft and can be removed with a toothbrush and floss, tartar is like a rock cemented onto your tooth. You can brush and floss all day long, once it’s turned into calculus, it’s not going any where. The biggest down side of that is that it still has the bacteria inside of it. Now it’s stuck on your tooth, not going anywhere, with all this bacteria. Even better for gum infections and things to occur.

Don’t worry, your awesome Hygienist will save you. We have the tools and know-how to remove that calculus and get your mouth back to health! But, so do you! You can brush and floss every day, remove that plaque, and prevent that calculus from even forming!

Now many of you do brush your teeth. Which is fantastic! We love when you do that! However, not as many of you floss. I’m not sure why. It’s just as important, and doesn’t really take that long. Here’s something to remember when you want to skip flossing tonight… You can be THE most amazing brusher in the whole world, but you will never be able to clean between your teeth with just a toothbrush. It’s a fact. The best technique will not maneuver those toothbrush bristle to places they cannot physically reach. Floss is the only way to clean the remaining 35% of your tooth that the brush did not get. Floss is a toothbrush’s best friend. They go hand in hand. One just as important as the other.

I hope this helped you understand a bit more why we always ask these two simple questions. If you have any other questions, we are here for you! Just ask!

Rinse your dentures before brushing to remove any loose food or debris.

Use a soft bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser to gently brush all the surfaces of the dentures so they don’t get scratched.

When brushing, clean your mouth thoroughly—including your gums, cheeks, roof of your mouth and tongue to remove any plaque. This can help reduce the risk of oral irritation and bad breath.

When you’re not wearing your dentures, put them in a safe place covered in water to keep them from warping.

Do not sleep with your dentures. Your tissues need to breath overnight. If you do not take out your dentures at night, you are at risk of developing oral fungal infections.

Occasionally, denture wearers may use adhesives. Adhesives come in many forms: creams, powders, pads/wafers, strips or liquids. If you use one of these products, read the instructions, and use them exactly as directed. Your dentist can recommend appropriate cleansers and adhesives; look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

Visit your dentist once every 6 months for a complimentary oral cancer screening, and to have the fit of your denture evaluated.

Invisalign is a uniquely designed orthodontic treatment developed to correct mild to severe cases of malocclusion, including crowding, protruding or crooked teeth, overbites and/or underbites. Invisalign is an affordable option for correcting most dental malocclusion problems.

WHAT MAKES INVISALIGN DIFFERENT?

You may be asking yourself, what is the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces? With Invisalign you can achieve very similar if not the same outcomes as traditional braces. The advantages of Invisalign are the comfort, flexibility, and ease of access to properly care for your teeth without having brackets, wires or rubber bands in your mouth.

Invisalign uses a series of aligners to straighten your teeth over the course of your treatment. Aligners are smooth plastic trays that you wear over your teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for a few weeks before changing to a new set.

ADVANTAGES

The great thing about Invisalign is that there are no personal sacrifices in terms of food! You do not have to give up popcorn, chips, bagels, pizza crust, pretzels, nuts, apples, carrots, or corn on the cob. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners are removable, therefore allowing you to eat and drink as well as brush and floss your teeth as you would normally do. The aligners are worn for 20-22 hours a day while they gradually move your teeth into their correct positions. The aligners should only be removed to eat as well as brush and floss your teeth.

HEALTHIER TEETH AND GUMS

Often times crowding or malocclusion issues can lead to swollen, red, bleeding gums. These are signs of periodontal disease. By properly aligning the teeth, inflammation is reduced, allowing your gum tissue to fit properly around the teeth. This provides a defense against potential periodontal problems.

Food debris and plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay. In order to maintain strong healthy teeth, simply remove your aligners and brush and floss as you would normally do. Try to avoid eating and/or drinking while your aligners are in your mouth.

THE INVISALIGN PROCESS

Talk to your dentist about your interest in Invisalign.

Your dentist will take impressions and photos and send them off to Invisalign. A customized treatment plan will be created just for you.

After your treatment plan is created, you will then go into your dental office for a brief viewing of a virtual presentation of your anticipated final outcomes.

Upon your approval of your anticipated outcomes, Invisalign then fabricates your series of aligners and sends them to your dental office.

Your dental office will then call you to schedule an appointment for you to come in and receive your first set of aligners.

Over the course of your Invisalign treatment you will change out your aligners every few weeks.

After the completion of all of your aligners, retainers are then made to keep your teeth in their new positions to keep that new smile looking great.

We look forward to helping you create that new smile that you have always wanted.

Christmas is the topic of mostly everyone this time of year. So many of us love to see what Santa has left for us in our stockings. When considering stocking stuffers, we have some recommendations to assist in keeping your child’s mouth and teeth at their healthiest.

When parents start thinking of what to place in their child’s stocking, they rarely think to put items that will benefit dental health. Most parents fill their children’s stockings with candy, nuts, socks, hair bows, lotion or Chap Stick. The list can be endless with what is placed in stockings. So this year, why not give them items to help with their dental home care.

A New Toothbrush

Everyone loves a new toothbrush. For the holidays, pick one that will get your kids excited about brushing their teeth. There are character brushes, brushes that light up and even brushes that play music while you clean your teeth! Be sure to choose a soft-bristled brush with the appropriate sized head for smaller mouths.

A Tooth Timer

If brushing the correct amount of time is difficult for your kids, consider getting a small timer to keep in the bathroom. Most kids brush an average of 14 seconds but in their minds it was for two minutes. A timer will insure that your child is brushing for the approiate time. You can even join them by brushing together to make sure the family is brushing for two minutes.

A Fun Toothpaste Flavor

So many people choose mint or bubble gum for their toothpaste flavor. You can look online and find some fun flavors. Try giving your kids something silly that you wouldn’t usually pick. There’s Bacon, Pickle, Cupcake, Oreo, Vanilla and Orange. The list keeps growing. Amazon has some great choices.

Flavored Floss

Floss is normally pretty plain, but it doesn’t have to be. Like toothpaste, there is bacon, cupcake or pickled-flavored floss to match. If those flavors don’t do the trick, there are banana and cinnamon-flavored options for kids to enjoy.

Sugar-Free Chewing Gum with Xylitol

Did you know that chewing gum can actually be good for your teeth? While not a substitute for brushing, sugar-free gum can help in the production of saliva which washes away trapped food particles. Further, gum containing xylitol has actually been proven to help reduce cavities.

Holidays are such a special time to share with your family and friend’s. Signature Dental would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I was never a believer of electric toothbrushes until I graduated hygiene school and I was given one for free. Yes, I know, but I figured that since I was given one, I would at least give it a try and see what all the fuss was about. For years I would go between my manual toothbrush and my electric one, leaving the electric one home when I traveled. However, now, I have realized that I don’t leave home without it! At first, I thought I am a pretty good at brushing and don’t really need it, but found that mid-afternoon, my teeth would get the fuzzy feeling on them. When I totally committed and threw away my manual toothbrush, I found that no longer did I get the fuzzies on my teeth! Oh man, I was so excited!

So, the question remains…is it worth it? YES! And here’s the great thing about it….there is a 30 day money back guarantee from Oral-B and Sonicare that if you don’t like the product, you take it back and get your money back! These are the top two selling brands for electric toothbrushes and they are awesome! Both companies will tell you that their product is superior but when it comes down to it, it is a personal preference. So next time you’re in the dental isle, take a minute and compare them side by side and see which one looks more appealing to you. The average price is about $90-$120 dollars. (Please also asked us, when you come in to the office, we sell electric toothbrushes here for a great price!) Yes, it seems a lot for a toothbrush, but you will be amazed (and so will we) with the change in your oral health! So try one out and let’s keep on smiling!

Happy Halloween! Although Halloween is a fun holiday to dress up in your favorite costume, it also comes with consuming large amounts of candy and sugar. According to the US Census Bureau, the average American eats 25 pounds of candy every year with most of that consumed during Halloween time. All that sugar hidden in a small piece of candy can add up quickly. If you or your child eats 12 treats, that is equivalent to about 30 packets of sugar. It is important to take a closer look at the nutritional facts before indulging as it is guaranteed to spook you!

Halloween Candy Comparison

Almond Joy, Snack Size – 80 calories, 8 g sugar

Butterfinger, Fun Size – 100 calories, 10 g sugar

Gummie Bears (Haribo) – 8 pieces, around 65 calories, 21 g sugar

Heath Bar, Snack Size – 76 calories, 9 g sugar

Hershey Kisses – Average 25 calories, 2-3 g sugar each kiss

Hershey’s Miniature Bars – Average 42 calories, 4 g sugar each bar

Jolly Rancher – a serving of three Jolly Ranchers is 70 calories, 11 g of sugar.

We all know it is nearly impossible to avoid Halloween candy altogether; however, there are some simple ways in which you can minimize the sugar overload after trick-or-treating is over. Always be sure to brush away the treats! Whether your child eats one piece of candy or ten, it is important to brush properly to prevent tooth decay. Make a candy plan to avoid going overboard with candy consumption. Set a limit on the number of candy that can be eaten each day, or a limit on the number of houses that they can visit. A candy swap is a great way to let your child enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating without overloading on sweets. You can trade small amounts of candy for a non-sugar reward such as a toy or sticker. We hope these tips will get you on track to a happier and healthier Halloween!

It’s no myth that to some dental work can be scary sometimes. Statistics show that around 12 percent of the population in the U.S. says they are anxious when it comes to visiting the dentist, and many don’t know how to take care of their oral health properly. With the overwhelming anxiety and stress build up around dentists and dental health, it’s not shocking that people may have made up or heard several dental myths over the years. People then tend to believe these myths and decide not go to the dentist regularly, rather than find out the truth. Having false information can be harmful to your health, so let’s talk about some of the common myths which you may believe yourself or have heard.

Myth #1- As long as I brush my teeth twice a day or don’t have tooth pain, I don’t need to go to the dentist.

Fact: While brushing twice a day and flossing once daily is Important, it is not enough. It is also important to get routine cleanings. During cleanings, the hygienist will clean the hard to reach areas, will make sure your gums are healthy, and will educate patients on proper home care. Dentists will also use x-rays and visual exams to make sure a patient doesn’t have any problems with their teeth or gums. Many don’t know this, but you don’t always have tooth pain when you have a tooth problem or gum disease, and if left untreated a tooth problem and unhealthy gum tissue will only get worse and lead to more serious problems. That’s why it is so important to come in for routine check-ups.

Myth #2 The dentist only wants my money

Fact: While some dental procedures and treatments can seem costly, they are completely worth it. As stated above, if dental problems are left untreated for a period, the treatment needed typically becomes more extensive which will cost more than a simple cleaning every six months. If a dentist can catch the signs of infection early, treatment will be minimal and less costly.

Myth #3 Bleaching your teeth can damage them.

Fact: Bleaching is a popular service that allows patients to get whiter smiles faster. Scientific studies have shown that using peroxide to whiten teeth is both safe and efficient. Although bleaching can cause some sensitivity when a patient is using it, bleaching gel is safe concerning damage of the structure of teeth; it merely makes teeth whiter and brighter.

Myth #4. If gums are bleeding, brushing and flossing should be avoided.

Fact: The exact opposite is true. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to remove plaque build-up which causes bleeding gums. Bleeding gums is a sign of gum brokerage, and more care actually must be done to avoid worse oral problems.

Myth #5 Baby teeth aren’t important, they will fall out anyway.

Fact: Yes, eventually all of your child’s 20 baby teeth will fall out eventually. However, many serve important functions for your child’s development. Baby teeth are known as the natural space maintainers for adult teeth and if a child loses a tooth too early due to dental problems, they could cause crowding for adult teeth. The health of your child’s baby teeth can also affect the health of their adult teeth. If you leave dental decay in a baby tooth untreated, it could eventually cause your child pain, abscesses, swelling, and affect the adult tooth developing under the baby tooth. Also, if the infection got worse it could even spread to other parts of the child’s body.

Myth #6 I shouldn’t go to the dentist because I am pregnant

Fact: A dental check-up is recommended during pregnancy. Although many women make it nine months with no dental discomfort, pregnancy can make conditions worse or create new ones due to hormonal changes and changes in eating habits. Regular checkups and good dental health habits can help keep you and your baby healthy. Local anesthetics and x-rays are okay during pregnancy although they are to be done only when necessary.

What if I told you there was a sugar that actually prevents cavities? Would you believe me? Well, you should! And it called Xylitol (pronounced zai-li-tall).

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener found in plants, fruits, and vegetables. It looks and tastes just like sugar (sucrose). Xylitol has about a third the calories as table sugar, and is a healthy alternative for diabetics. Not only does it make an excellent sugar substitute, but it aids in the prevention of dental caries, and reduces plaque formation.

How does it help prevent cavities?

Everyone has bacteria in their mouth all the time. Bacteria is highly attracted to the sugars found in the foods and beverages that we eat and drink. Most people think this means sweets, candies, etc. While that is true, it also can mean carbohydrates (which are complex sugars) or fruit (which has fructose, a sugar) or any number of things. The bacteria in our mouths eat all those sugars and excrete acid. That acid is what causes cavities.

Now bacteria is way more attracted to xylitol than regular sugar. The Bacteria head right for xylitol! But bacteria cannot break down xylitol. Meaning if they can’t “eat” it, they can’t excrete it. The bacteria dies not able to make acid to cause cavities. That is how xylitol can help prevent cavities!

How does it help dry mouth?

Many things, including prescription medications, can cause dry mouth. But why is dry mouth such a big deal? Dry mouth can effect you quality of life! It decreases your ability to taste. It can cause bad breathe. It can make eating difficult. It can make talking difficult. It can even significantly increase your susceptibility to getting cavities!

Xylitol has a cooling effect, quenching the burning of dry mouth. Xylitol also stimulates saliva flow, which fixes all of the problems previously mentioned. Xylitol is also an humectant, which means it attracts moisture. And Xylitol neutralized saliva’s pH. An acid pH leads to dry mouth, a basic pH can lead to an overgrowth of plaque bacteria. Nice neutral pH is where your mouth is the happiest!

Who can have Xylitol?

Xylitol is safe for all ages! Great for the whole family!

Even diabetics can use xylitol. “The body does not require insulin to metabolize xylitol. For this reason polyols like xylitol produce a lower glycemic response than sucrose or glucose. This has made xylitol a widely used sweetener for the diabetic diet in some countries. If you do have diabetes, however, it’s important to consult your doctor or diet professional before incorporating xylitol into your daily diet. (1)”

And, like chocolate, onions, raisins, or avocados, xylitol is not safe for our 4-legged furry family members. Please do not share it with them.

Where can you find Xylitol?

Xylitol can be found in a wide array of products. Most commonly, chewing gum, candies, and mints. It is also found in tooth pastes, mouth sprays, and even as granulated crystals to replace table sugar.

Hope this has been informative and you have found a new way to incorporate the many benefits of Xylitol in your life!